Canistel

Canistel (Pouteria campechiana) is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapotaceae. It is native to southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The tree is cultivated in other tropical regions for its fruit, also known as the canistel or eggfruit.

Description

The canistel tree is an evergreen that can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall. It has a dense, spreading crown and a short trunk. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, measuring 10–25 cm in length. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, typically appearing in clusters.

Fruit

The fruit of the canistel is ovoid to oblong, measuring 7–12 cm in length. When ripe, the skin is smooth and yellow-orange. The flesh is firm, with a texture similar to that of a hard-boiled egg yolk, and has a sweet, musky flavor. The fruit contains one to several large, glossy brown seeds.

Cultivation

Canistel trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. They prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and limestone soils. The trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during dry periods. They are typically propagated by seeds, which germinate readily, or by grafting.

Uses

The canistel fruit is consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications. It can be made into desserts, such as custards, ice creams, and pies. The fruit is also used in milkshakes and smoothies. In some regions, the fruit is cooked and used as a vegetable.

Nutritional Value

Canistel is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. It is also rich in dietary fiber and contains moderate amounts of protein and carbohydrates.

Related Species

Canistel is closely related to other members of the Sapotaceae family, including sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota), and abiu (Pouteria caimito).

See Also

• Sapotaceae
• Sapodilla
• Mamey sapote
• Abiu